Share this article in:

2010 land-rover range-rover-sport Model Overview

Overall Rating:

StarStarStarStarNo-Star

4 of 5

The “rocket SUV” class is a surprisingly busy one, what with Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, and others all offering extra-potent, tall-riding machines that capitalize on sport while minimizing utility. Naturally, Land Rover has its own lean and fast offering, the Range Rover Sport — though the British maker’s entry is actually more well-rounded than most.

The Sport is a curious crossbreed, blending the looks of its larger Range Rover sibling with the suspension and underpinnings of the Land Rover LR4. Yet it’s a remarkably effective combination with a lot of appeal — as evidenced by the profusion of Sports in vehicle-conscious environs like Manhattan and Los Angeles.

Tellingly, unlike many of its rivals, the Sport never loses sight of its SUV heritage. Which is to say, though optimized for maximum street performance, it’s fully equipped for off-road battle. Indeed, Land Rover engineers will tell you the Sport is one of their star performers in the rough stuff.

Besides, how many serious grit-tamers do you know that can lap the Nurburgring in just 8 minutes and 42 seconds?

Like its siblings, the Sport gets the full Jag-engine treatment for 2010 — the 375-horsepower, twin-cam, 5.0-liter V-8 in the HSE, and the pressurized, 510-horse version in the Sport Supercharged. Both mate to a revised six-speed auto. The blown Sport also gets an exclusive Dynamic Performance setting in its Terrain Response system. All-new interiors grace both models.

If the 2010 Sport looks lower and meaner to you, you’re right. Styling revisions front and rear further accentuate the sporty look — as do standard 19-inch (HSE) and 20-inch (S/C) wheels.

Like the LR4, the Sport boasts a complete cockpit overhaul — this Rover has never looked more regal or luxurious. Naturally, the Sport’s cabin design is extra-special — including a unique center console and extra helpings of wood.

The Sport is fast all right — figure just under six seconds to 60 mph for the S/C version. And the S/C’s low-profile 40-series rubber and grip-tuned suspension make this a playful dance partner. Yet the ride is jittery at times — unusual for a Rover — and the steering is almost too quick. Really, it’s almost happier off-road.

A new surround-view parking-assist camera delivers added convenience and peace of mind, while the updated Terrain Response works miracles getting this big, extravagant rig out of the toughest entanglements.

2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport News and Reviews

With automakers doing their best to showcase both the most fuel efficient and most powerful models they can come up with, it comes as little surprise that both Porsche and Land Rover will be rolling out new hybrid vehicles at the rapidly approaching the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.We've already reported that Porsche would most likely be bringing a Panamera hybrid…

I learned to drive in a Land Rover. It was an ex-Australian Army Series II short wheelbase, probably built around 1960, with several tours of duty on the odometer. It was a shabby dark green with a khaki canvas roof that flapped like a MASH tent in a Force 10 gale when you went over 30 mph. There was no…